July 28, 2008

Run/Walk to Benefit Leukemia Patient

Jul. 28--ARCHBALD -- Residents are organizing a 5-kilometer run/walk for next month to benefit a borough native, Anne Stefursky, who has been undergoing treatment for leukemia.

Should the event scheduled for Aug. 9 be successful, organizers hope to hold it annually to raise money for someone from Archbald who is fighting cancer.

Ms. Stefursky, 22, graduated from Bloomsburg University and moved to the Harrisburg area for a teaching position. She grew up in the Midvalley and attended Valley View High School. Her family still lives in Archbald.

She was diagnosed in December with leukemia, a type of cancer of the blood cells. Ms. Stefursky said she finished chemotherapy recently and is in remission, though she is still going through treatment with pills and shots.

She said she hopes to make it to the event, and possibly start teaching again in September.

"My family and I really couldn't believe the support we've gotten from friends and family back home," Ms. Stefursky said.

Her 26-year-old sister, Lisa Stefursky, said it has been tough, especially with the distance for her and their parents, Tom and Tina Stefursky.

"You get used to the distance, though," said her sister. "And she made friends who were visiting her. That made us more comfortable about it."

Ms. Stefursky's sister said for a family that has always bought spaghetti dinners and raffle tickets for others in need, it is different to be on the receiving end of those efforts.

"It's weird to have it flipped that way. We're so grateful for everyone's support," she said.

When borough officials approached her about the 5-kilometer walk/run, Lisa Stefursky decided to join the committee to make it a success.

-- Race begins at 9 a.m. on Aug. 9. Registration will be from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. There is a $12 entry fee, if done prior to Aug. 6, or $15 if at the event. Registration will be at the Archbald Borough Building, 400 Church St. The run/walk will both finish at the Borough Building.

-- Race applications are available by e-mailing [email protected] For more information, contact Lisa at 876-4523.

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